On the Power and Limits of Empathy

This book has two main objectives. The first is to identify and adequately describe the phenomenon of empathy. This essentially means offering a strong, reasoned and accurate description of the phenomenon of empathy in order to capture the essence of the empathic phenomenon and clearly distinguish it from other similar emotional phenomena such as sympathy or compassion

The second part focuses on the role that this phenomenon can play on the ethical-moral level. The question is whether empathy is necessary or at least important for morality, and if so, to what extent, in what way and for what reasons. 

This is an open access book.

“Manuel Camassa's book is a superb exploration of empathy, demonstrating its crucial role in morality in an accessible way, rich in memorable examples both historical and fictitious and with a keen appreciation of nuance. A deep sense of humanity nourishes the excellent scholarship.” (Arne Johan Vetlesen, University of Oslo, Norway)

“Camassa’s book is a quite needed contribution for anyone who desires to explore the intricacies of empathy and its application in daily life. In a very clear and detailed manner Camassa offers us a very exhaustive picture of what is empathy, in its positive and negative aspects, and how we arrived to define empathy in this way. An excellent book that I recommend to anyone interested in the topic to read!” (Susi Ferrarello, Cal State University, East Bay, USA.)

“The Emp(ath)ire strikes back! Empathy has been harshly critiqued and deemed unfit as a basis for morality. Yet some of its critics favor headline-grabbing punchlines over thorough analysis. Manuel Camassa has done an excellent job refocusing the debate on the most fundamental quandaries surrounding this complex attitude. The result is a rigorous, well-argued and spirited defense of empathy.” (Jan Slaby, Free University, Berlin, Germany.)

“Manuel Camassa's study is impressive in its defense of empathy's role for morality and establishes in illuminating ways that empathy is the antidote to many serious moral shortcomings. He thus manages to counter some of the powerful critiques empathy has been subjected to in recent psychology and philosophy and helps to substantially correct the serious misunderstandings fueling these critiques. Camassa's mastery of the material is superb as is his rare ability to connect philosophical traditions often treated in cold isolation from each other. His accessible prose and the many vivid case studies help to powerfully bring one message home: empathy counts, in morality and beyond.” (Martin Hartmann, University of Lucerne, Switzerland)

“This is an impressive monograph, and a timely reminder of the importance of empathy for our moral lives, in light of recent criticisms of its worth. Camassa has done an excellent job in outlining the history and types of empathy, giving due credit to its critics, but then highlighting its importance for judgement, moral development, and moral motivation. It is informed by analytic and phenomenological traditions whilst relying on the latest empirical work. Anyone interested in the topic will stand to benefit from reading this work.” (Michael Brady, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.)

“Is empathy the source of morality? This carefully conceived and elegantly argued book by Manuel Camassa reveals the bright and dark sides of empathy in our social life. By diving into the limitations, biases, and manipulations of practical reasoning, Camassa sheds light into the harmful actions motivated by empathy. But he emerges out of it with a very intriguing perspective: the shortcomings of empathy can also be its strength.  Instead of leading to parochialism, the fellow-feelings can be cultivated and become the character traits of a virtuous person. The final upshot is that the “personal” character of empathy can be its power. Essential reading for anyone working on empathy and morality.” (Laura Candiotto, University of Pardubice, Center for Ethics, Czech Republic.)

Manuel Camassa received his PhD in philosophy from the University of Lucerne, Switzerland.